At the POA Annual Delegate Conference in Sligo today, a motion was passed to have St Patricks Institution renamed to reflect the historic ties to the buildings, dating back to 1916. The Countess Markevitz Unit was one alternative put forward – she was President of Cumann na mBann in 1916.

John Clinton, POA General Secretary, speaking to the motion today said, “With our 1916 commemorations now being planned we should be looking at renaming St Patricks. From 1916 to 1923 many Cumann na mBann members were imprisoned in these buildings and we are aware of the significant role on Cumann na mBann in the fight for independence. The Harry Clarke window in St Patricks Chapel was donated by Mrs Ellen Humphreys a sister of O’Rahilly, one of the founders of the Irish Volunteers. Mrs Humphreys herself, her daughter and sons were all interned in Mountjoy in the early 1920’s”

Some renaming suggestions were put forward:
The Countess Markevitz Unit
Ard Croabh Unit – called after first branch of Cumann na mBann
St Leonard Unit – after the first saint on Political Prisoners